Georgian lawmakers face criticism over Azeris` rights
Georgian lawmakers visiting Baku faced criticism
from their counterparts over problems faced by Azerbaijanis in
Georgia.
MP Gultakin Hajibayli said the most pressing problem Azerbaijanis are grappling with in Georgia was their inability to own land. Thus, farmers are having to lease soil to sow and grow crops in the rural areas they reside in.
Hajibayli noted that another challenge pertained to education, as Georgians are often appointed as principals of schools attended exclusively by Azerbaijanis.
Also, she said the names of the Azerbaijani villages in Georgia have been nationalized. The process has been particularly intense during Zviad Gamsakhurdia`s presidency. Over 40 residential areas have been renamed in the Bolnisi region, which is populated only by ethnic Azerbaijanis.
"All this is not in line with the friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Georgia," Hajibayli added.
MP Ganira Pashayeva said solving Azerbaijanis` problems in the neighboring country was possible. "We have to solve them so that unnecessary talk would not emerge between our countries."
Georgian lawmakers said, in response, that the problem with land is common throughout the country. More specifically, land plots in Georgian-populated villages are also being granted for long-term lease, in accord with laws adopted in 1996.
Vice-Speaker Pridon Todua, who headed the Georgian parliamentary delegation noted that overall, Georgia and Azerbaijan have been enjoying relations not marred by any problems. At the same time, he stressed the importance of ironing out the numerous minor differences that, according to him, could be solved without interference by the two countries` presidents.
"Inter-parliamentary friendship groups have to work on these problems and find ways of solving them," the vice-speaker added.
MP Gultakin Hajibayli said the most pressing problem Azerbaijanis are grappling with in Georgia was their inability to own land. Thus, farmers are having to lease soil to sow and grow crops in the rural areas they reside in.
Hajibayli noted that another challenge pertained to education, as Georgians are often appointed as principals of schools attended exclusively by Azerbaijanis.
Also, she said the names of the Azerbaijani villages in Georgia have been nationalized. The process has been particularly intense during Zviad Gamsakhurdia`s presidency. Over 40 residential areas have been renamed in the Bolnisi region, which is populated only by ethnic Azerbaijanis.
"All this is not in line with the friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Georgia," Hajibayli added.
MP Ganira Pashayeva said solving Azerbaijanis` problems in the neighboring country was possible. "We have to solve them so that unnecessary talk would not emerge between our countries."
Georgian lawmakers said, in response, that the problem with land is common throughout the country. More specifically, land plots in Georgian-populated villages are also being granted for long-term lease, in accord with laws adopted in 1996.
Vice-Speaker Pridon Todua, who headed the Georgian parliamentary delegation noted that overall, Georgia and Azerbaijan have been enjoying relations not marred by any problems. At the same time, he stressed the importance of ironing out the numerous minor differences that, according to him, could be solved without interference by the two countries` presidents.
"Inter-parliamentary friendship groups have to work on these problems and find ways of solving them," the vice-speaker added.
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